TULSA, Okla. – Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, today announced Cherokee Strategic Solutions (CSS) has been awarded a $69.4 million contract by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expand support for the agency’s vital weather sensor technology infrastructure. This award marks the third consecutive contract award for Cherokee Federal in this essential area.
Under this competitively awarded small business set-aside award, CSS will manufacture and install cutting-edge technology supporting Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) at more than 500 FAA-operated airports across the United States. These modernized systems are paramount to enhancing air traffic safety and operational efficiency, particularly in geographically dispersed or weather-sensitive regions such as Alaska where reliable, real-time data is critical.
“This award reflects the FAA’s ongoing confidence in our team and our shared commitment to advancing aviation safety,” said Aaron Fletcher, Sr. Program Manager at Cherokee Federal. “Over the past decade, we have evolved into a truly integrated partner with the FAA, solving problems, implementing solutions and delivering results as an extension of their mission.”
As part of the expanded scope, Cherokee Federal will now provide full installation services, a role previously performed by FAA personnel, alongside system design and manufacturing. All systems will be built in Pryor, Oklahoma, and installed in air traffic control towers across the U.S., requiring approximately 15 new team members to support the effort. The contract includes a five-year base period with three one-year options, with all installations scheduled for completion by the end of the period of performance.
The upgraded systems will deliver more precise, real-time weather data to air traffic controllers and pilots, improving flight planning, routing and responsiveness to changing conditions. By enhancing situational awareness and forecasting at airports nationwide, the project directly supports flight safety and operational continuity throughout the National Airspace System.
The new scope of work builds upon a decade of successful collaboration between Cherokee Federal and the FAA. Since 2015, the company has played a pivotal role supporting the FAA's weather infrastructure by manufacturing and deploying 231 AWOS-C systems and 226 Surface Weather Systems (SWS). Contributions also include refreshing Digital Altimeter Setting Indicator (DASI) systems across the National Airspace System; integrating Wind Profilers at key FAA facilities, including the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) and in Juneau, AK; refurbishing wind measurement sites supporting the Juneau Airport Wind System (JAWS); and delivering multiple mobile solutions, such as the FAA’s only Mobile Surface Weather System (MSWS) and 10 Mobile Automated Weather Observing Systems (MAT). The team has also provided crucial support to the Low Level Wind Shear Alert System (LLWAS) through the production of technology refresh kits and has integrated SWS into four Large Mobile Air Traffic Control Towers (LMATC).
For more information about Cherokee Federal, visit cherokee-federal.com.